Lack Of Canadian Credit History Can Mean Trouble Renting Apartments For Immigrants

Colin Singer
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Lack Of Canadian Credit History Can Mean Trouble Renting Apartments For Immigrants

The lack of a Canadian credit history can cause difficulties when renting apartments for immigrants, including temporary foreign workers, international students and new permanent residents.

In a report on the situation facing newcomers to Canada, the Canadian Centre for Housing Rights (CCHR) recommends that governments step in to help.

“In many instances, a lack of Canadian credit history or guarantor are the basis upon which housing providers deny housing to newcomers,” note the report.

“Knowing this, the government of Ontario and the government of Canada should establish no-fee guarantor services to support newcomers to access housing upon arrival in Canada.”

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Throughout its report, the CCHR categorizes the difficulties newcomers have in renting apartments by their marital status and race and references a survey it conducted more than a decade ago.

“While the report estimated a rate of discrimination of 14 per cent for lone parents overall, this figure jumps to 26 per cent for Black lone parents specifically,” states the report.

The report does, however, recognize that financial considerations, rather than or in addition to racial bias and discrimination, are at the core of many of the difficulties faced by newcomers to Toronto.

“The barriers to accessing rental housing are particularly acute for newcomers, who lack employment or credit history in Canada, and are effectively shut out of even applying for many apartments in Ontario’s tight rental market,” the report states.

The report also notes that many newcomers simply cannot afford the high rental rates in Toronto, some of the highest rents in Canada.

“A key systemic contributor to a newcomers’ struggle to secure rental housing in Toronto is a shortage of affordable rental housing supply. Frequently, units advertised in Toronto are simply out of reach for newcomers, many of whom arrive with limited savings and are living on low incomes,” notes the CCHR.

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“The barriers to accessing rental housing are compounded by the common practices of housing providers imposing larger deposits and advance payments of rent, which they tell applicants they require because they do not have a Canadian guarantor, credit, or employment history.”

Since discrimination based on race is already illegal in Canada, the best strategy for foreign nationals considering immigration to Toronto is to simply build a Canadian credit history prior to arriving in the country and looking for an apartment.

Temporary and permanent residents coming to Canada can do that by opening bank accounts in this country even before leaving their home countries. Having a Canadian bank account will also spare these newcomers from foreign currency conversion fees when they use their credit cards obtained in their home countries.

Open A Canadian Bank Account Before Immigrating To Canada, Says Expert

“Newcomers may be able to use their Mastercard or Visa debit/credit cards from banks in their home country for a while after arriving in Canada. However, this is not ideal on a long-term basis due to on-going foreign currency conversion fees,” Dr. Enoch Omololu, Savvy New Canadians’ resident personal finance expert, told Immigration.ca. 

“It is better to open a new bank account here so they can start building a Canadian credit history which comes in handy when they need to apply for credit later.”

The personal finance expert says getting a bank account in Canada should be the number two thing on any newcomer’s list of things to do, second only to getting a Social Insurance Number. 

“This is because they need access to a bank account for many day-to-day activities, including making and receiving payments, as well as getting a credit card,” said Omololu. 

When foreign nationals first arrive in Canada, they often have a lot to learn about how the banking system works here and how to handle their personal finances in this new country. 

“I have come across people who do not understand that they need to use credit in order to build credit history and improve their credit score,” said Omololu. “On the flip side, there are newcomers who see easy access to credit as a way to overspend and they quickly get into debt.”

Getting a bank account in Canada isn’t particularly difficult as many financial institutions have services specifically tailored to newcomers. But the type of documentation a newcomer will need to provide to the bank to verify his or her identity – and the kinds of services for which they may qualify – can depend on whether he or she is here under a temporary visa, like an international student, or coming here as a permanent resident.

“The documents required to open a bank account in Canada are tied to a newcomer’s ability to stay here legally,” said Omololu. “For example, a permanent resident would need to present their passport and Permanent Resident Card or applicable Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) forms. 

“An international student would need to show their student visa and may also be asked for proof of enrollment at a school. Foreign workers would be required to show a valid work visa.” 

Immigration Status Often Determines Paperwork Needed To Open A Canadian Bank Account

A newcomer’s status in Canada can also determine the level of services he or she may receive. 

“More account types tend to be offered to those here on a permanent basis, for example, products like mortgages, lines of credit, and other credit facilities. Also, a permanent resident may be offered a $5,000 higher credit limit on their credit card application whereas a student on a student visa may qualify for $1,000 to start.” 

When newcomers struggle with English and French, some financial institutions – but not all – can offer customer support in other languages. 

“This is an area that financial institutions need to work on,” said Omololu. “Some banks do offer customer support in other languages outside of English and French, but these are few and far between. Multilingual services are available at Scotiabank, TD Canada Trust, RBC, and a few others.”

Opening a Canadian bank account requires filling out a few forms and transferring funds to the Canadian bank while the foreign national is still in his or her home country.

“When you arrive in Canada, you then need to visit a branch to complete the process,” said Omololu.

On the Savvy New Canadians website, the personal finance expert has ranked what he figures are the best newcomer bank accounts at bricks-and-mortar financial institutions in Canada. They are:

Scotiabank’s StartRight Program

StartRight offers newcomers who have been in Canada for under three years access to a free chequing account for 12 months, savings, credit cards, mortgages, personal loans and free credit scores. With a Scotiabank Preferred Package Chequing account, the bank’s clients get:

  • up to a $300 bonus when they meet the eligibility requirements;
  • no monthly fees for 12 months (costs are $16.95 after the first year but can be waived if the account holder maintains a minimum balance of $4,000;
  • unlimited debit and Interac e-transfer transactions;
  • one free withdrawal per month from a non-Scotiabank ATM;
  • access to a high-interest savings account;
  • up to $139 in fees waived on Scotiabank credit cards in the first year;
  • free credit scores, and;
  • rewards on debit transactions via the Scene+ Rewards program.

RBC Newcomer Advantage

The RBC Newcomer Advantage is offered to permanent residents and international students and allows bank clients to open an RBC No Limit Banking account or RBC VIP Banking account and pay no monthly fees for 12 months. Afterwards, these accounts cost the account holders $10.95 per month or $30 per month respectively. The RBC No Limit Banking comes with unlimited debits and Interac e-transfers and:

  • two free international money transfers per month for six months, and;
  • access to credit cards, mortgage, car loans, business bank accounts, and investments.

HSBC Bank Canada Newcomers Program

An international bank, HSBC Bank Canada understands the challenges of moving to a new country and offers bank accounts and services uniquely suited to newcomers, including multi-currency savings accounts, globally-accessible bank accounts, and no-charge wire transfers, noted Omololu in his ranking of the bank accounts. 

A new HSBC Chequing Account comes with what is billed as up to $1,650 in value with HSBC’s Newcomers Program. 

“HSBC provides offers to help newcomers begin their successful journey in Canada while staying connected back home,” noted Omololu. “Whether establishing the basics like opening a chequing account for payroll deposit, sending money back home to family, or building credit with one of HSBC’s credit cards, HSBC lets you do more with your money.”

CIBC Welcome To Canada Banking Package

This bank’s Welcome To Canada Banking Package is available to newcomers who obtained their permanent resident status within the past five years. It’s Smart for Newcomers account offers:

  • no monthly fees for one year (and then charges $14.95 per month afterwards);
  • unlimited debit and Interac e-transfer transactions, and;
  • a free safety deposit box for one year with the cost being $60 per year afterwards.

Newcomers can also access various credit cards, mortgages, personal loans, and investment products.

BMO NewStart Program

Another bank program tailored to newcomers who have been in Canada less than five years, the BMO NewStart Program offers one year of free banking under its Performance Plan. This banking package comes with:

  • no monthly account fees for one year (the fee is then $15.95 per month afterwards but can be waived with a $4,000 daily balance);
  • unlimited debit and Interac e-transfer transactions;
  • one free non-BMO ATM withdrawal per month in Canada, and;
  • a free small safety deposit box for one year (with the fee becoming $55 per year afterwards).

Newcomers also get access to other banking products including credit cards, international money transfers, investments, and mortgage loans.

TD New To Canada Banking Package

TD’s New to Canada Banking is for permanent and temporary residents who have been in Canada for two years or less and offers through its TD Unlimited Chequing Account:

  • no monthly fees for six months (with the monthly fees becoming $16.95 per month afterwards but are waived with a $4,000 balance);
  • unlimited transactions (debit and Interac e-transfers);
  • no TD fees on any ATMs in Canada;
  • a $20 discount off select TD credit cards during the first year, and;
  • one free international money transfer per month for six months.

TD also offers a variety of credit cards, loan products, investments, and savings accounts. Before a foreign national ever opens a bank account, though, he or she should spend a bit of time realistically considering his or her banking needs.

That includes determining roughly the number of banking transactions made on that bank account every month, the account holder’s degree of comfort with online banking, and whether he or she will want credit cards, mortgages, savings accounts, and investment vehicles – and whether he or she wants all those services from the same financial institution. 

Manitoba Invites 249 Canada Immigration Candidates In New PNP Draw

Colin Singer
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Manitoba Invites 249 Canada Immigration Candidates In New PNP Draw

Manitoba has conducted a new draw through the Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program, issuing 249 Letters of Advice to Apply to Canada immigration candidates.

The December 16 draw saw LAAs issued through three MPNP streams.

Skilled Workers in Manitoba received 155 LAAs, with the lowest ranked candidates scoring 771 points.

International Education Stream candidates received 46 LAAs.

The remaining 48 LAAs went to Skilled Workers Overseas candidates through a Strategic Recruitment Initiative, with a minimum score of 703.

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Manitoba stated that 36 of the 249 candidates had valid Express Entry IDs and job seeker validation codes.

For detailed requirements of all the streams featured in this draw, please see below.

What Were the Details of the Latest Manitoba Draw?

Stream Sub-Stream Letters of Advice to Apply Score of Lowest Ranked Candidate
1) Skilled Workers in Manitoba 155 771
2) International Education Stream 46 –
3) Skilled Workers Overseas Strategic Recruitment Initiative 48 703

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How Do I Qualify For The Skilled Worker in Manitoba Stream?

The Skilled Worker in Manitoba Stream (SWM) is based on the specific needs of Manitoba employers. SWM selects foreign-trained workers with the required skills and nominates them for Canada permanent residence. The stream prioritizes candidates with a strong attachment to Manitoba, with two pathways to Manitoba immigration.

a) Manitoba Work Experience Pathway

For applicants currently working in Manitoba on temporary work permits, through the Temporary Foreign Worker Program or as international graduates from any province. Candidates do not need to be working in In-Demand Occupations.

b) Employer Direct Recruitment Pathway

For applicants from overseas with job offers from approved Manitoba employers.

How Do I Qualify For The Skilled Worker Overseas Stream?

The Skilled Worker Overseas Stream (SWO) includes both a dedicated Canada Express Entry Pathway and a direct provincial pathway.

It is aimed at international skilled workers with skills and training in Manitoba’s In-Demand Occupations. Priority is given to applicants and spouses with close family connections, plus the language proficiency, training and experience to find jobs quickly.

a) Manitoba Express Entry Pathway

For international candidates eligible under another MPNP stream, who also meet Express Entry criteria and have an active Express Entry profile. Candidates need skills, training and experience in one of Manitoba’s In-Demand Occupations, and a strong family connection to the province.

b) Human Capital Pathway

For international skilled workers with skills, training and experience in one of Manitoba’s In-Demand Occupations. Candidates must demonstrate potential to find employment soon after they arrive in Manitoba.

What Are The Requirements For the International Education Stream?

The International Education Stream (IES) is dedicated to international graduates from Manitoba colleges and universities. Under IES, candidates are no longer required to work for six months in their field before applying for an MPNP nomination. It has three pathways:

1) Career Employment Pathway  

Eligibility requirements include:

  • Completed a one-year or longer course from an eligible post-secondary Manitoba institution within three years of submission of application.
  • Have a full-time job offer in a Manitoba In-Demand occupation related to the completed degree
  • Resident of Manitoba

2) Graduate Internship Pathway

Masters and Doctoral degree holders who have completed Mitacs Accelerate or Elevate internships can apply for nomination through internships even without a job offer in the province.

3) Student Entrepreneur Pathway

Eligibility requirements include:

  • Completed a two-year or longer course from an eligible post-secondary Manitoba institution
  • Six months business operation experience in Manitoba
  • Resident of Manitoba since graduation.
  • No specific minimum personal net worth requirement

Saskatchewan Conducts First Draw Since Switch To NOC 2021, Issues 635 Canada Immigration Invitations

Colin Singer
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Saskatchewan Conducts First Draw Since Switch To NOC 2021, Issues 635 Canada Immigration Invitations

Saskatchewan has conducted a new Expression of Interest draw through the Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program, issuing 635 Canada immigration invitations. 

The December 15 draw featured 285 invitations through the province’s Occupations In-Demand stream and 348 via its Express Entry stream. The invitations targeted 119 National Occupational Classification codes and required a minimum score of 82.

A further two invitations went to a candidate who listed their country of residence as Ukraine, as a direct response to the Russian invasion of the country.

Read More Canada Immigration News

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Latest Saskatchewan Expression of Interest Draw

Draw date Category Minimum score Invites issued Other considerations
15-12-22 Occupations In-Demand 82 285 NOCs included: 00012, 00013, 00015, 10010, 10011, 10012, 10020, 10021, 10022, 10029, 10030, 11101, 11109, 11200, 11201, 11202, 12010, 12011, 12013, 12100, 12101, 12102, 12111, 12113, 12200, 13100, 13101, 13110, 13111, 13112, 20010, 20011, 20012, 21101, 21110, 21112, 21120, 21200, 21211, 21220, 21221, 21222, 21223, 21230, 21231, 21232, 21234, 21300, 21301, 21310, 21311, 21321, 21322, 21331, 21399, 22101, 22110, 22111, 22211, 22212, 22213, 22220, 22221, 22222, 22230, 22231, 22232, 22300, 22303, 22310, 22312, 32102, 32120, 32121, 33101, 33103, 40020, 40030, 41200, 41210, 41300, 41320, 41400, 41401, 41402, 41403, 41404, 41405, 42202, 43100, 43109, 60010, 60030, 60031, 60040, 62022, 62029, 62100, 62101, 63102, 63201, 63202, 70010, 70012, 70020, 72020, 72021, 72024, 72106, 72320, 72410, 80020, 80021, 82021, 82030, 90010, 92011, 92012, 93101
Express Entry 82 348
62 2 Invited candidates listed

country of residence as Ukraine.

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What is the Process for Saskatchewan Expression of Interest?

  1. Submit EOI profile.
  2. Enter EOI candidate pool.
  3. EOI candidates selected.
  4. Invitations to Apply issued via regular draws.
  5. Candidates submit full application within 60 days.
  6. SINP officials assess applications and make decision.

What Are the Requirements for The Occupation-In-Demand Sub-Category?

  • Score a minimum of 60 points on the SINP points assessment grid;
  • Have a language score of at least Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) 4. Employers and regulatory bodies may ask for higher;
  • Have completed one year of post-secondary education, training or apprenticeship comparable to the Canadian education system. You must have earned a diploma, certificate or degree.
    • Degrees and diplomas obtained outside Canada subject to an Educational Credential Assessment;
  • At least one-year work experience in the past 10 years:
    • In your field of education or training occupation, and
    • In an eligible occupation in NOC A, B, 0. See the excluded occupations list.
  • Obtain the appropriate licensure in Saskatchewan if your field so requires, as the authorities will not process an application without the licensure.
  • Have proof of settlement funds and a settlement plan.
  • Pay a non-refundable $300 application fee online.

What Are the Requirements for The Saskatchewan Express Entry Sub-Category?

Candidates from outside Canada, or with legal status in Canada, qualify for this Saskatchewan immigration category, provided they are not a refugee claimant.

Additionally, candidates must:

  • Have a profile in the Express Entry Pool, with profile number and job seeker validation code;
  • Score a minimum of 60 points on the SINP points assessment grid;
  • Provide valid language test results from a designated testing agency matching those in the Express Entry profile;
  • Have completed one year of post-secondary education, training or apprenticeship comparable to the Canadian education system. You must have earned a diploma, certificate or degree.
    • Degrees and diplomas obtained outside Canada subject to an Educational Credential Assessment;
  • Have at least one of the following experience requirements in your field of education or training occupation:
    • One year of work experience in the past 10 years in a skilled profession (non-trades);
    • Two years of work experience in a skilled trade in the past five years; or
    • One year of work experience in Canada in the past three years (trades and non-trades).
  • Have work experience in a high-skilled, eligible occupation in NOC A, B, 0. See the excluded occupations list.
  • Obtain the appropriate licensure in Saskatchewan where your profession is regulated or a skilled trade. For skilled trades, a certificate is required from the Saskatchewan Apprenticeship and Trade Certification Commission.
  • Have proof of settlement funds and a settlement plan.
  • Pay a non-refundable $300 application fee online.

Manitoba Conducts Largest Canada Immigration Draw For 17 Months, Issues 1,030 Invitations

Colin Singer
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0
Manitoba Conducts Largest Canada Immigration Draw For 17 Months, Issues 1,030 Invitations

Manitoba has conducted its largest Canada immigration draw in 17 months, issuing 1,030 invitations through the Skilled Workers Overseas stream of the Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program. 

The December 15 draw required a minimum score of 600 points in the Manitoba PNP points system.

The province stated that 656 of the invitations went to Express Entry candidates.

Manitoba’s SWO stream is split between an Express Entry category and a provincial Human Capital pathway. Both target the province’s list of In-Demand Occupations.

Full requirements of both categories are below.

Read More Canada Immigration News

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Latest Manitoba Draw

Stream Sub-Stream Letters of Advice to Apply Score of Lowest Ranked Candidate
Skilled Workers Overseas 1,030 600

Video

All About The Manitoba Skilled Workers Overseas Stream

The Skilled Worker Overseas Stream (SWO) includes both a dedicated Canada Express Entry Pathway and a direct provincial pathway.

It is aimed at international skilled workers with skills and training in Manitoba’s In-Demand Occupations. Priority is given to applicants and spouses with close family connections, plus the language proficiency, training and experience to find jobs quickly.

a) Manitoba Express Entry Pathway

For international candidates eligible under another MPNP stream, who also meet Express Entry criteria and have an active Express Entry profile.

Candidates need skills, training and experience in one of Manitoba’s In-Demand Occupations, and a strong family connection to the province.

Manitoba Express Entry Requirements

Express Entry Demonstrate acceptance into the Express Entry pool by providing a valid Express Entry ID and Job Seeker Validation Code.
Work Experience Minimum of 6 months of work experience in an occupation on the In-Demand Occupations List.

You must submit a complete Career Plan.
Official Languages Proficiency The minimum official language proficiency depends on your assessed NOC:

Minimum CLB/NCLC 7 for NOC 0 or A

Minimum CLB/NCLC 6 for NOC B
Education Completed one post-secondary program of at least one year (Canadian equivalent).

If the position requires licensure or certification, you must apply to the regulatory body to have your qualifications and skills assessed and/or pass an examination.
Age Minimum age of 18 at the time of submission
Adaptability Demonstrate the ability and intent to become economically established and reside in Manitoba;

AND

Have the confirmed support of a close friend or relative who has resided in Manitoba for at least one year;

OR

Hold a valid Invitation to Apply issued by the MPNP.
Settlement Funds Demonstrate liquid funds equivalent to Low Income Cut-Off (LICO) requirements for independent financial resources for a six-month period.

b) Human Capital Pathway

For international skilled workers with skills, training and experience in one of Manitoba’s In-Demand Occupations.

Candidates must demonstrate the potential to find employment soon after they arrive in Manitoba.

Human Capital Pathway Requirements

Work Experience The employment experience declared for purposes of obtaining EOI and assessment points must be full-time and for a period of at least six months. There is no minimum but zero points will be awarded for less than one year of work experience in total.

Your work experience must be in an occupation on the In-Demand Occupations list.

You must submit a complete Career Plan.
Official Languages Proficiency The minimum official language proficiency depends on your assessed NOC:

Minimum CLB/NCLC 7 for Regulated Occupation

Minimum CLB/NCLC 6 for Compulsory Trades

Minimum CLB/NCLC 5 for all other NOC 0, A, or B occupations

Points are awarded for second official language proficiency of at least CLB/NCLC 5
Education Completed one post-secondary program of at least one year (Canadian equivalent).

If the position requires licensure or certification, you must apply to the regulatory body to have your qualifications and skills assessed and/or pass an examination.
Adaptability Demonstrate the ability and intent to become economically established and reside in Manitoba;

AND

Have the confirmed support of a close friend or relative who has resided in Manitoba for at least one year;

OR

Previous post-secondary education completed in Manitoba within the past five years;

OR

Previous work experience in Manitoba within the past five years;

OR

Hold a valid Invitation to Apply issued by the MPNP.

You may also be awarded Adaptability points if your spouse or common-law partner demonstrates a minimum of a bachelor’s degree and official language proficiency of at least CLB/NCLC 5.
Age Minimum age of 18 at the time of submission; no maximum age but no points are awarded over 45 years of age.
Settlement Funds Demonstrate liquid funds equivalent to Low Income Cut-Off (LICO) requirements for independent financial resources for a six-month period.

NOC 2021 Computer Issue Delays Canada Express Entry Draws

Colin Singer
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0
NOC 2021 Computer Issue Delays Canada Express Entry Draws

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada’s ability to conduct Express Entry draws has been impacted by a computer glitch of unknown origin.

All the IRCC is divulging so far is the IT problem seems connected to the department’s decision to implement the new National Occupation Classification (NOC) 2021 system.

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“We are aware of the ongoing IT issues impacting new and existing Express Entry clients, including those in the Provincial Nominee Program, following the implementation of NOC 2021,” Jeffrey MacDonald, a communications advisor at the IRCC, wrote in an email to Immigration.ca.

IRCC Says It Is ‘Closely Monitoring’ The Computer Glitch That Has Delayed The Express Entry Draw

“We are closely examining this issue and are working as quickly as we can to resolve it. We will advise clients as soon as we have more information.”

Ottawa’s new NOC 2021 system was implemented at the IRCC on Nov. 16, changing the way foreign nationals filled out their applications when applying under the Express Entry Canadian Experience Class, Federal Skilled Worker and Federal Skilled Trades programs.

The NOC 2021 was phased in gradually specifically “to provide organizations and programs with enough time to make a proper transition from NOC 2016 to NOC 2021.”

Under the new NOC 2021, Express Entry applicants now need to search for their occupations under the NOC 2021 list on the Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) website and submit their Training, Education, Experience and Responsibilities (TEER) category and five-digit occupational code when filling out a profile for the Express Entry pool.

Those who submitted a profile before Nov. 16 but had not yet been sent an Invitation to Apply (ITA) by that date were to:

  • search for their occupation under the NOC 2021 list on the ESDC website, and;
  • update their profile with their TEER Category and five-digit occupational code.

Those profiles were to be updated on or after Nov. 16 for the applicants to remain eligible for any of the Express Entry programs, including the CEC, FST, and FSW.

Foreign nationals, though, who had already received an ITA before Nov. 16, were to submit their applications for permanent residence using the NOC 2016, the version of the NOC in effect that date.

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With the NOC 2021, the IRCC moved away from its use of a four-digit number to categorize each occupation with a five-digit code.

Within the new five-digit code, the NOC 2021 breaks down the level of skill of each occupation, until Nov. 16 still called a Skill Level, into six categories from the current four to better reflect the level of Training, Education, Experience and Responsibilities, or TEER, of each job.

These TEER categories in the re-jigged NOC replace the previous Skill Levels.

Foreign Nationals Applying For Express Entry Immigration To Canada Need To Use NOC 2021 Codes

The new NOC also ranks occupational groups based on five hierarchical levels consisting of the broad occupation category; major groups; sub-major groups, minor groups; and unit groups.

Foreign nationals looking for their NOC code for a job only need to go to the search page of the NOC website and search using their job title. After selecting the closest match on the list that is generated, it is important to make sure the main duties listed match those of the job.

When those duties don’t match up, users are advised to use a different job title with duties that more closely match theirs.

Applicants under the Express Entry system should then write down the new numeric code and job title – for example, 72302 Gas fitters – and note the TEER category.

A nationally-recognized and standardized system used by IRCC to evaluate the work experience of applicants for immigration, the choice of the right NOC code is one of the most important parts of an application for immigration.

“Every 10 years, the (NOC) undergoes a major structural revision whereby the existing occupational groups are reviewed alongside input collected from many relevant stakeholders through a consultation process,” stated Statistics Canada on its website.

“The release of the NOC 2021 will be the product of this 10-year cycle and will reflect changes in the economy and the nature of work. Input from the public, and particularly stakeholders, has been a key part of the revision process.”

Every province and territory in Canada use the NOC to identify in-demand jobs that need to be filled by immigration programs.

British Columbia PNP Draw: Province Issues At Least 215 Canada Immigration Invitations

Colin Singer
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0
British Columbia PNP Draw: Province Issues At Least 215 Canada Immigration Invitations

British Columbia has issued at least 215 invitations in two new draws through multiple streams of the British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program.

The December 13 draws were split into three categories: general, targeted and entrepreneur.

In the general draw, which included tech occupations, 180 invitations were issued through five BC PNP streams for skilled workers and international graduates. Minimum scores ranged from 80 to 104 points.

In the targeted draw, a further 19 invitations were issued to skilled workers and international graduates scoring at least 60 points in a draw targeting Early Childhood Educators and Assistants under NOC 42202.

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A draw targeted at Healthcare workers saw 13 invitations issued to skilled workers, international graduates and entry-level and semi-skilled workers, also with a minimum score of 60 points.

A further set of ‘less than 5’ targeted invitations went to skilled workers and international graduates under NOCs 31103 and 32104 for veterinarians and animal health technologists and veterinary technicians respectively, with a minimum score of 60. The number of invitations was listed as ‘less than 5’ to protect the identity of those who were invited.

The Entrepreneur Stream draws saw the province issue ‘less than 5’ invitations through two streams. The general categories required a minimum score of 116 points and the regional pilot category required 134 points.

Latest B.C. Immigration Draws

General Draw

Date Category Minimum Score Invitations Issued Description
13-12-22 Skilled Worker 104 180 General draw (includes tech occupations)
Skilled Worker – EEBC 104
International Graduate 104
International Graduate – EEBC 104
Entry Level and Semi-Skilled 80

Targeted Draw

Date Category Minimum Score Invitations Issued Description
13-12-22 Skilled Worker, International Graduate 60 19 Targeted draw: Childcare: Early childhood educators (NOC 42202)
Skilled Worker, International Graduate, Entry Level and Semi-Skilled 60 13 Targeted draw: Healthcare
Skilled Worker, International Graduate 60 <5 Targeted draw: Other priority occupations (NOCs 31103, 32104)

B.C. Entrepreneur Stream Draw

Date Stream Minimum Score Invitations Issued
13-12-22 Entrepreneur Immigration General Category 116 <5
Entrepreneur Immigration Regional Pilot 134 <5

Video:

Candidates Must Be Active In Start-Up Visa Business Or Have Canada Permanent Residence Application Denied

Colin Singer
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0
Candidates Must Be Active In Start-Up Visa Business Or Have Canada Permanent Residence Application Denied

Start-Up Visa candidates can have their application for Canada permanent residence rejected if the government believes they have not been active enough in their business.

Case law has shown that candidates who do not commit to business development will not be approved for permanent residence.

The obligation becomes much higher if a candidate is an essential applicant who obtained a Canada work permit on behalf of the business.

If the government believes the only intention of an applicant is to secure permanent residence, this is also grounds for the refusal of an application.

Read More Canada Immigration News

Canada’s Start-Up Visa Almost Triples Numbers Of New Immigrants In 2022
Canada’s Start-Up Visa Seeing Record-Breaking Number Of New Immigrants
What Are The Business Ownership Rules For Canada’s Start-Up Visa?

Even candidates who do not choose to come to Canada on a work permit through the Start-Up Visa must still show they have developed their business from overseas.

Candidates who thought they only needed a letter of support from a designated angel investor, venture capital fund or business incubator are mistaken.

They must show that their project is thoroughly planned and have conducted certain groundwork, where it is possible to do so.

This can include securing intellectual property and letters of intent for potential sales, developing prototypes of the business, developing websites and other meaningful undertakings. 

Showing incremental progress of the business during the application process is highly recommended.

Start-Up Visa Numbers Growing

In the first nine months of this year, 465 new permanent residents came to Canada under the SUV, putting the program on track to welcome 620 entrepreneurs to the country by the end of the year based on the current trends.

That would be 235 new permanent residents, or more than 61 per cent, more than the 385 who came to Canada under the SUV in 2021, a record-breaking year for immigration to Canada.

It would also be 105 new permanent residents, or 20.4 per cent, more than the 515 entrepreneurs who set up businesses in Canada through the SUV in 2019, the last full year before the pandemic.

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With its relatively small number of arrivals, the SUV sees big percentage fluctuations from month to month but has been generally growing in popularity over the past eight years.

In 2015, the SUV welcomed only 55 new permanent residents to Canada. This year, it is expected to allow more than 11 times as many to set up business here.

However, this is expected to dramatically increase over the next three years, as IRCC has allocated substantially more planned admissions for permanent residence to start-up visa applicants.  Whereas this number has only been 1,000 per year during the past few years, in 2023, 2024 and 2025, this number will increase dramatically to 3,500, 5,000 and 6,000 respectively.

Canada’s Start-Up Visa: Requirements

Applicants to Canada’s Start-Up Visa program must meet four basic eligibility requirements:

  1. Have a qualifying business;
  2. Obtain a commitment from a designated entity in the form of a Commitment Certificate and Letter of Support;
  3. Have sufficient unencumbered, available and transferable settlement funds, updated each year (the requirements identical to those for skilled workers);
  4. Demonstrate sufficient proficiency in English or French through standardized testing (Canadian Language Benchmark level 5) ;

The required commitment from a designated entity must meet the following criteria:

  • A designated angel investor group must confirm that it is investing at least $75,000 into the qualifying business, or two or more commitments from designated angel investor groups totaling $75,000; OR
  • A designated venture capital fund must confirm that it is investing at least $200,000 into the qualifying business or two or more commitments from designated venture capital funds totaling $200,000; OR
  • A designated business incubator must confirm that it is accepting the applicant into its business incubator Program.

In order to qualify, the intended business must be incorporated and carrying on business in Canada at the time the commitment is made and:

  • The applicant owns a least 10 percent of the voting rights in the corporation; AND
  • No other person holds 50 percent or more of the total amount of voting rights in the corporation.

Up to five applicants may have their application for permanent residence supported by the same business investment. However, certain applicants may be designated essential to the intended business. If any of the essential applicants withdraw their application or are refused for other reasons, all other applicants under the same business investment will see their applications terminated.

Applicants who have secured a Commitment Certificate from a designated entity, and who wish to begin working in the business during the processing of their permanent residence application may be able to apply for a short-term work permit

To receive a work permit, an applicant must provide:

  • A letter of support from the designated entity; and
  • Proof they have sufficient funds to meet the low-income cut-off (LICO) for their family size, for one year.

To receive permanent residence, the following criteria must be met:

  • Applicants must be actively involved in the management of the business within Canada;
  • The operations of the business, or an essential part, must take place in Canada; and
  • The business must be incorporated in Canada.

Ontario Issues 160 NOIs Targeting 35 Jobs In New French Speaking Skilled Worker Draw

Colin Singer
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Ontario Issues 160 NOIs Targeting 35 Jobs In New French Speaking Skilled Worker Draw

Ontario immigration has issued Notifications of Interest to 160 candidates in 35 occupations in a new draw through the Express Entry-linked French Speaking Skilled Worker stream.

The December 13 Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program draw saw NOIs issued to candidates with Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) scores between 341 and 490.

To qualify for the draw, candidates had to submit Express Entry profiles within the last year.

To qualify, candidates must have a minimum Canadian Language Benchmark of 7 in French and 6 in English.

NOCs Targeted

  1. 41220 – Secondary school teachers
  2. 41221 – Elementary school and kindergarten teachers
  3. 43100 – Elementary and secondary school teacher assistants
  4. 41200 – University professors and lecturers
  5. 63202 – Bakers
  6. 63201 – Butchers – retail and wholesale
  7. 72100 – Machinists and machining and tooling inspectors
  8. 72106 – Welders and related machine operators
  9. 72400 – Construction millwrights and industrial mechanics
  10. 72024 – Supervisors, motor transport and other ground transit operators
  11. 73112 – Painters and decorators (except interior decorators)
  12. 72310 – Carpenters
  13. 72204 – Telecommunications line and cable installers and repairers
  14. 72311 – Cabinetmakers
  15. 72410 – Automotive service technicians, truck and bus mechanics and mechanical repairers
  16. 72205 – Telecommunications equipment installation and cable television service technicians
  17. 72020 – Contractors and supervisors, mechanic trades
  18. 72101 – Tool and die makers
  19. 73110 – Roofers and shinglers
  20. 73102 – Plasterers, drywall installers and finishers and lathers
  21. 72014 – Contractors and supervisors, other construction trades, installers, repairers and servicers
  22. 73111 – Glaziers
  23. 73100 – Concrete finishers
  24. 72404 – Aircraft mechanics and aircraft inspectors
  25. 72201 – Industrial electricians
  26. 72421 – Appliance servicers and repairers
  27. 72401 – Heavy-duty equipment mechanics
  28. 72200 – Electricians (except industrial and power system)
  29. 72302 – Gas fitters
  30. 72320 – Bricklayers
  31. 72300 – Plumbers
  32. 72104 – Structural metal and platework fabricators and fitters
  33. 82020 – Supervisors, mining and quarrying
  34. 73402 – Drillers and blasters – surface mining, quarrying and construction
  35. 72011 – Contractors and supervisors, electrical trades and telecommunications occupations

Read More Canada Immigration News

Ontario Updates Expression of Interest Scoring With Launch Of NOC 2021 For Canada Immigration
Here Are Ontario’s 10 Most-In Demand Jobs
Immigrating To Canadian Province Of Ontario: All You Need To Know

Latest Ontario FSSW Draws

Date NOIs Issued CRS Score Range Express Entry profile submission date
13-12-22 160 341-490 December 13, 2021 – December 13, 2022

Source: OINP

Video

What Are The Requirements For The Ontario Express Entry: French-Speaking Skilled Worker Stream?

To qualify applicants must have:

  • Pending application under the Federal Express Entry system;
  • Minimum of 1-year of full-time, or full-time equivalent work experience under NOC occupation level 0, A or B;
  • Canadian equivalent Bachelors degree, Masters degree or PhD;
  • Minimum CLB level 7 in TEF exam (French); AND minimum CLB 6 in IELTS exam (English)
  • Intention to reside in the Province of Ontario.

Canada’s Healthcare Labour Shortage Fuelled By Lack Of Residencies For Foreign-Trained Doctors

Colin Singer
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Canada’s Healthcare Labour Shortage Fuelled By Lack Of Residencies For Foreign-Trained Doctors

A lack of residency spots means Canadians who studied medicine outside the country and international medical graduates are being deterred from practicing medicine here. 

“The messaging for so long has been that it’s nearly impossible to get a bloody residency in Canada if you’re an international graduate,” Peter Nealon, chief executive officer of the Atlantic Bridge Program, reportedly told The Globe and Mail national daily newspaper.

“These people are the cream of the crop and they’re simply going elsewhere because they’re in demand. You tell people to go away long enough, and eventually, they go away.”

Read More Canada Immigration News            

Canada Express Entry Change To Mean More Doctors Can Become Permanent Residents
Targeted Skilled Worker Draws For Express Entry Draws To Start Next Year
Canada Named Third Best Country In The World By New Report

Atlantic Bridge Program is an admissions organization for North Americans who want to attend medical school in Ireland.

Thousands of Canadians unable to get into the limited space in medical schools here opt to study medicine in other countries, including the United Kingdom, Australia, Israel, the United States and the Caribbeans. 

But, there’s a snag. 

When those Canadians want to come back to Canada and practice medicine here, they often find it almost impossible to get into a residency program because residency spots for foreign-educated grads are even more limited than for those who studied medicine in Canada.

And the number of those spots has been dwindling since the late 1980s despite the growing shortage of healthcare professionals in Canada and Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada’s (IRCC) efforts to open up immigration programs to healthcare workers, including physicians and nurses.

This year, only 13 per cent of the spots in residency programs in Canada, or 439 of the total 3,295, are filled by those who graduated from medical schools outside of the country, reports The Globe and Mail.

That’s down from 499 a decade ago and 700 residency spots for foreign-trained doctors in the late 1980s, reports the national newspaper. 

Many Canadian, foreign-educated physicians wind up never coming back, choosing to practice instead in the United States, Australia or Britain which have lower barriers for those who studied medicine outside their countries than Canada.

And yet, foreign-educated doctors are widely-regarded as a possible fix for at least part of Canada’s healthcare labour shortage.

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Across Canada, just under one in three doctors is already foreign-educated, and nowhere is that truer than among family physicians.

But fewer and fewer internationally-educated doctors are now even bothering to apply for Canada’s dwindling number of residency spots.

The Canadian Resident Matching Service (CaRMS), the national organization that matches medical school students with postgraduate training residencies, has reportedly said international applications for entry-level positions fell by 40 per cent, from 2,219 in 2013 to 1,322 in 2022.

Experts increasingly agree that creating more residencies for international medical school graduates could help Canada resolve its physician labour shortage.

Foreign-Trained Doctors Have Lots Of Opportunities In Canada – If They Can Get Here

Those foreign nationals aspiring to practice medicine in Canada first have to complete a bachelor’s degree and then get a medical degree from a school accredited by Canada. That entire educational process usually takes seven years.

The newly-graduated applicants must then pass the Medical Council of Canada Qualifying Examination (MCCQE) Part 1 exam and the National Assessment Collaboration (NAC) Examination, the latter of which accesses their readiness for a Canadian residency program.

Once that’s done, the foreign national has to apply for a Canadian work permit with the IRCC and apply for a post-graduate residency spot through CaRMS.

Physicians can also apply for permanent residence through the Federal Skilled Worker Program or the Canadian Experience Class.

Under the Provincial Nominee Program, provinces and territories can also nominate physicians for permanent residence if they meet particular regional labour market needs and intend to settle in that province or territory. Provinces can recruit candidates from the Express Entry pool or they can nominate individuals under their non-Express Entry paper-based streams.

Before a physician can practice in Canada, he or she needs to have his or her qualifications recognized.

The national organization that sets standards for physicians, including immigrating physicians, is the Ottawa-based Medical Council of Canada (MCC). It does not confer or issue licences to physicians. That responsibility belongs to the provincial and territorial medical regulatory authorities.

Those who are successful in obtaining one of the few residency spots for international grads will then be supervised by a Canadian medical school for at least two years before taking their certification exam in family medicine and getting their certification to join the College of Family Physicians of Canada (CFPC).

World Directory Of Medical Schools Notes Schools Acceptable To Canadian Regulatory Bodies

The last step is to apply for a license from a provincial or territorial medical regulator to practice family medicine there.

International medical graduates can see if their medical college will be readily acceptable to the licensing body, the medical college, in each province. It is the physician’s responsibility to check whether his or her medical school is listed in the World Directory of Medical Schools, something that can be done by visiting WDOMS.org.

Once a physician finds his or her college in that online directory, the next step is to check the “Sponsor Note” tab and see if it states “Canada Note”. This means medical degrees obtained from this medical school are acceptable to the provincial and territorial medical regulatory authorities in Canada and therefore acceptable to all medical organizations in Canada.

With a population of about 38 million people spread over 10 provinces and three territories, Canada offers many opportunities for physicians – but not all areas are equally as profitable or offer the same quality of life.

Typically, the more remote an area is, the better the income opportunities for physicians.

That can be important for a young doctor with a lot of student debt who might choose to work in a remote northern community and get paid not only for seeing patients but also simply for working in that remote location.

Quebec Labour Shortage: Top 10 Most In-Demand Quebec Jobs

Colin Singer
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Quebec Labour Shortage: Top 10 Most In-Demand Quebec Jobs

Quebec’s low unemployment rate means foreign nationals who speak French would do well to consider it for immigration.

“In Quebec, employment grew by 28,000, up 0.6 per cent, in November, the third increase in four months,” reports Statistics Canada. “The unemployment rate reached a new record low of 3.8 per cent, similar to the previous low of 3.9 per cent recorded in April 2022.

Faced with massive labour shortages, the province’s business groups have been lobbying the Quebec government to increase immigration levels. 

Read More Canada Immigration News                                                 

Quebec’s Latest Levels Plan Sees Province Hold The Line On Immigration
All Immigrants To Quebec To Be Francophone By 2026, Says Provincial Premier
Quebeckers Want More Immigration, But Provincial Government Says No

So far, though, Quebec Premier François Legault has remained steadfast in his decision to keep immigration targets in the province at about 50,000 new permanent residents annually – and he has openly mused about requiring that all economic immigrants to the province be francophone by 2026.

In that tight labour market, here are the top 10 most in-demand occupations in Quebec.

  1. Artificial Intelligence (AI) Consultant / Data Scientist (NOC 21211)

Given that Quebec launched its AI, IT and Visual Effects Workers Pilot program in April last year to give tech companies a greater opportunity to recruit these workers internationally, it’s no surprise that one of the most in-demand jobs in the francophone province is that of the AI consultant. 

These people, who work for consulting firms, universities, banks and information technology departments use advanced analytics technologies, including machine learning and predictive modelling, to support the identification of trends, scrape information from unstructured data sources and provide automated recommendations.

In early December, the Indeed job-hunting website had 178 ads for jobs for these tech pros and data from the federal government’s Job Bank website revealed they were then commanding a median annual wage of $85,722 based on a standard, 37.5-hour work week.

2. Registered Nurses (NOC 31301)

The shortage of nurses across Canada has many hospitals on life support, forcing them to close down departments for days at a time in some regions, and that labour shortage is perhaps nowhere more acute than in Quebec.

In early December, Indeed had 2,417 job listings for nurses. Job Bank, the federal government’s job-hunting website, gives five stars, its highest rating, to the job prospects for registered nurses in all provinces across Canada.

These are the medical professionals who provide direct nursing care to patients, deliver health education programs and provide consultative services regarding issues relevant to the practice of nursing.

This occupation comes with a median annual wage of $72,150 in Quebec based on a 37.5-hour work week, according to Job Bank data.

3. Construction Trades Helper (NOC 75110)

Quebec’s still-robust housing sector is providing plenty of jobs for those interested in the construction trades with Indeed listing 261 such positions in early December.

These are the people who work at construction sites, in quarries and in surface mines, usually for construction companies, trade and labour contractors, and surface mine and quarry operators.

Job Bank data shows the median annual income for these workers is $51,675 in that province based on a standard, 37.5-hour work week.

4. Cooks (NOC 63200)

Restaurateurs in La Belle Province are in dire need of cooks as the hospitality sector faces an unprecedented labour shortage with Indeed carrying 3,194 ads for these jobs in Quebec in early December.

Job Bank rates job opportunities for cooks in the province as at least moderately good for the next three years.

With a median annual income of $29,250 for a cook in Quebec, it’s not the highest-paying work but there are jobs in the hospitality sector everywhere throughout the province.

5. Food And Beverage Servers (NOC 65200)

Quebec’s hospitality sector is also hurting badly for servers who bring patrons their food and drink in restaurants and also provide a friendly ambiance.

There were 1,298 jobs for servers in the province in early December, according to Indeed.

The median annual income for a server before tips in Quebec, based on a 37.5-hour work week, is $29,250.

6. Software Developers (NOC 21232)

As the people who write, modify, integrate and test computer code for software applications, data processing applications, operating systems-level software and communications software, software developers are in hot demand.

“This is one of the top jobs in part because businesses of all types and sizes need developers to create app solutions, develop or maintain in-house software or help implement cloud or other technologies,” notes Randstad.

“One of the lessons learned during COVID-19 lockdowns in recent years was that technology could make or break a business. Companies that seamlessly transitioned into remote work environments often fared better. Add to that the growing need to rely on data and automations to remain competitive, and it’s no wonder so many businesses are on the hunt for skilled developers.”

In Quebec, software developers earn a median annual wage of $73,047 based on a standard, 37.5-hour work week, Job Bank data reveals. The Indeed job website had 1,873 such job listings in Quebec in early December.

7. Truck Drivers (NOC 73300)

The demand for drivers to deliver parcels skyrocketed during the pandemic and retiring Baby Boomers in the industry mean an even greater demand for younger drivers to replace them.

In early December, the Indeed job website listed 3,546 jobs for drivers in the province, including  1,355 for truck drivers. The Canadian Occupational Projection System (COPS) has projected there will have been 23,300 more jobs for truckers than there will be people to fill those positions in the decade ending in 2028.

“Projected job openings are expected to be substantially higher to job seekers, creating a shortage of workers over the 2019-2028 period,” notes the COPS website. “Retirements are expected to account for about 60 per cent of all job openings.”

The median annual income for a trucker working a standard work week in Quebec is $43,056.

8. Accountant (NOC 11100)

When an economy rebounds, someone’s got to keep track of the money, a task that falls within the realm of the accountant.

Accountants plan, organize and administer the accounting systems that keep track of that money for businesses, individuals and governments.

In early December, Indeed had 2,133 job listings for accountants in Quebec where the median annual income for these professionals was $71,780 based on Job Bank data for a standard, 37.5-hour work week.

The federal government job-hunting website rates the job prospects for accountants in Quebec as “good.”

9. Retail Sales Associates (NOC 64100)

Every store has retail sales associates, those people who sell, rent or lease a range of technical and non-technical goods and services directly to consumers.

In Quebec, Indeed noted there were 1,728 jobs in retail sales in early December, well after the big, seasonal hiring blitz for the Christmas shopping season.

Based on a 37.5-hour week, the median annual income of a retail sales associate in that province is $29,250.

10. Factory Helper (NOC 95109)

Those who keep things humming in Quebec’s factories by processing, manufacturing, handling material, cleaning up, packaging and doing everything that needs to get down on the floor are in big demand in La Belle Province. 

These people work for companies that manufacture products such as clothing, footwear, furniture and electrical and electronic products and printing and packaging companies.

In Quebec, Indeed had 2,876 jobs for such workers in early December. Job Bank data indicates they command a median annual wage of $31,746 for a standard, 37.5-hour work week.

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